An Emblem of America
This emblematic female figure dressed in a classical robe represents Columbia. She holds the Stars and Stripes, looks at two native American children who wear garb derived from old prints, and points to a pillar decorated with portraits of "Americanus", Sir Walter Raleigh, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and John Adams, plus a figure whose name is illegible. This print comes from a group that also includes Europe and Asia (52.585.74 and 52.585.75).
Artwork Details
- Title: An Emblem of America
- Artist: Anonymous, British, 18th century
- Publisher: John Fairburn (British, active 1789–1840)
- Sitter: Sir Walter Raleigh (British, East Budleigh 1552–1618 London)
- Sitter: Benjamin Franklin (American, Boston 1706–1790 Philadelphia)
- Sitter: George Washington (American, 1732–1799)
- Sitter: John Adams (American, 1735–1826)
- Date: September 4, 1798
- Medium: Mezzotint
- Dimensions: Plate: 13 9/16 × 9 5/8 in. (34.5 × 24.4 cm)
Sheet: 16 1/4 × 11 13/16 in. (41.2 × 30 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Gift of Emily C. Chadbourne, 1952
- Object Number: 52.585.73
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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